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Old becomes new with condos

By Colin DeVries

CATSKILL — Constructed in 1907, the Irving School on Thompson Street served as the premier academic institution for the youth of Catskill.

Now, developers have transformed the historic structure into a symbol of Catskill’s prosperity, having turned what were formerly classrooms into modern state-of-the-art condominiums.

Kaatskill Condos, slated to be on the market within the next two months, features a modern 2008 design with preserved attributes from the original 1907 construction.

Hans Perukel, general manager of Hudson Valley Development Group (HVDG) spearheaded the project after recognizing a shift in the social and economic make-up of Catskill.

“We came here because Catskill was already undergoing a change,” he said. “We hope to give it a push by bringing in this building.”

The four-story structure includes 11 one-bedroom units ranging from 900 to 1,100 square feet on the first three levels, and two loft units on the upper level.

The original design called for one 4,800-square-foot unit on the upper level, but HVDG has since adjusted its plan to incorporate an additional unit.

As soon as one enters the arched entrance into the foyer, a sense of sophistication emanates from the marble flooring. A glass panel covers a section of the original tilework near the doorway which reads “Irving School” — one of many preserved pieces of history incorporated in the design.

Each unit features tin ceilings with the original 1907 pattern impressions, dark hardwood flooring and modern Italian-imported Formica kitchen cabinetry.

Japanese influenced three-panel sliding doors provide access to the bedroom, creating a spacious atmosphere into the living room at full gape.

While each unit has a unique flavor all its own, much of the original brickwork was retained to provide a colorful and warm design.

Contractor Gordon Wohlfahrt said preserving the “nooks and grannies” of the original brickwork provided an interesting avenue for creativity on behalf of the future owners.

Wohlfahrt also said that great attention to detail was put into new brickwork to conform with the preserved work. The original 101-year-old wooden beams were also included in the loft’s design.

The upper level, which will include a patio facing the Catskill Mountains to the west, has one of the highest scenic views available in the Catskill area, according to Wohlfahrt.

To supplement the polished architectural style and design by architect Arjen Stoorvogel, a fully-functional gymnasium will provide residents 24-hour access to top-of-the-line exercise equipment.

The exterior facade maintained it’s original look, though the dilapidated fire escape at the rear of the building was replaced with new grassy terraces that will provide outdoor patio furniture for leisure.

“I think this project is a perfect example of reusing existing architecture, retaining it’s beauty and charm, and upgrading it for today’s consumer,” said Village President Vincent Seeley. “I’m really in awe of some of the workmanship and heartfelt energy put into the project.”

HVDG, with offices in New York City and Clinton Corners, recently hosted open houses for it’s 32-home Dutch revival project, Brook in Waterland, in the Dutchess County town of Stanford. The homes are modeled after 17th century Dutch architecture and include detailed wood carvings and artwork by European artisans.

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